Follow in the Footsteps of Gerald Durrell

For nature lovers, the name Gerald Durrell evokes memories of one of the world’s best-loved and most eminent naturalists, whose outstanding conservation work has changed the destiny of many of the planet’s endangered species. Prestige Holidays is proud to offer a truly privileged experience on this escorted tour: “Corfu: In the Footsteps of the Durrells“.

Accompanied by Lee Durrell, the late author and naturalist’s wife, this exclusive tour offers a unique glimpse into his life’s work in the place where it all started. It was on the beautiful Greek island of Corfu that he spent the formative years of his childhood and began to take an interest in the local animals. His best-loved book, “My Family and Other Animals”, documents his time on the island and the tour takes you to many of his favourite haunts.

The Durrells: Lives Well Lived

Lee Durrell freely admits she married her hero. She met Gerald while undertaking research for her PhD and they forged a professional and private life together, based on their mutual passion for wildlife conservation. Before his death in 1995, over the course of their 16-year partnership they saved entire species, authored multiple books, set up a conservation academy, presented TV shows and travelled the world – all while nurturing their most beloved and enduring project, The Durrell Wildlife Park, on the island of Jersey.

Today Lee continues Gerald’s legacy and is heavily involved in the running of the park as well as maintaining her formidable force as a global conservation warrior.

Top tip: If you’re inspired to get up close and personal to nature and immerse in Gerald Durrell’s most personal project, Prestige Holidays offers the opportunity to explore the Durrell Wildlife Park in a truly memorable way. The Durrell Wildlife Campaccommodates you in luxury “glamping” pods set right in the heart of the park so you really can be a Durrell for a day or two, or three…

In the Footsteps of a Naturalist Giant

Whether or not you’re familiar with his most famous book, this superb escorted tour offers the chance to gain an incredibly personal insight into a man whose contribution to the field of zoology is immeasurable. The 5-day, 6-night itinerary of the tour takes in a host of places he explored and loved as a child, including:

Corfu Town

The Listons

Old Perithia

Mouse Island

The coastal town of Kalami

Mt Pantokrator

Private Talks and Special Guests

You’ll enjoy three days in the company of Lee Durrell, getting to know this fascinating woman and discovering the astonishing beauty of Corfu’s native flora and fauna. She’ll recount a host of anecdotes from the couple’s life together and open a rare window into the heart, mind and legacy of the enigmatic Gerald Durrell.

“Lee will open a rare window into the heart, mind and legacy of this enigmatic man.”

Special guest David Ashcroft, director of the “Gerald Durrell Week”, will accompany excursions to Mouse Island and Corfu Old Town, and you’ll also be treated to a private talk from an expert local herbalist on the medicinal properties of the wild and cultivated herbs of Corfu.

Another highlight of the tour is the inclusion of a full day trip to Albania, to explore the archaeological treasures of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Butrint and the delightful coastal town of Saranda.

If you’re inspired to follow in the footsteps of the great Gerald Durrell, please get in contact with one of our highly experienced Prestige Holidays advisors. They can answer any questions about the excellent upcoming Corfu: Footsteps of the Durrells escorted tour and assist you with the booking process.